The Federation of Non-Academic Staff Unions in Universities–Ghana has urged the prompt suspension and reassessment of a policy directive issued by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) regarding retirement in public universities.
In a correspondence dated February 6, 2026, directed to the Director-General of GTEC, the unions cautioned that the implementation of this policy could disrupt the academic calendar of public universities nationwide.
The unions characterized the policy as unjust, arbitrary, and discriminatory towards non-teaching staff, contending that it was formulated without prior engagement or consultation with the unions representing the affected personnel.
They asserted that the directive undermines existing service conditions and university statutes that permit staff to extend their retirement to the conclusion of the academic year, rather than mandating retirement strictly in the month of birth.
Consequently, they further dismissed the notion that non-teaching staff are insignificant in university governance and administration, emphasizing that their contributions are essential for the effective operation of public universities.
The letter highlighted that universities have already issued retirement notifications to staff based on academic calendar schedules, which have influenced how the affected employees planned their lives in relation to retirement.
The unions contended that enforcing an abrupt change would be inequitable and harmful to staff who have already made personal and professional arrangements.
The Federation cautioned that if the policy is not retracted within two weeks of the letter’s delivery, the unions will be compelled to take further action.
“We wish to inform you that if, within two weeks, the policy is not rescinded and affected staff are compelled to leave their positions in the month of birth instead of at the end of the academic year, the unions will take appropriate measures,” the letter indicated.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Ministers of Education and Labour, Jobs and Employment, in addition to the National Labour Commission, the Vice-Chancellors of Ghana, and other pertinent labour unions within the public university framework.
